Blackpool Pleasure Beach announce local stars for Beauty & The Beast

In anticipation of this year’s Christmas Pantomime, Beauty and The Beast, Blackpool Pleasure Beach announces the names of local stars who will be wowing audiences this festive period.

Returning to Blackpool’s most highly-anticipated stage production of the year is influencer and TV personality Charlotte Dawson, alongside ITV’s weather presenter Emma Jesson and Simon Green AKA Betty Legs Diamond, who will be joining a fabulous cast of panto pros on The Globe’s iconic stage at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Charlotte will be beck for her second season as she takes the stage to yet again entertain audiences from near and far. Originally from Manchester, Charlotte is an influencer with over one million followers on Instagram. Previously she has appeared in reality TV shows such as Rough and Ready, Love Squad, and Celebs on The Farm.

She said: “Pantomimes are a firm staple at Christmas time, and I’m really looking forward to joining the team at Blackpool Pleasure Beach for another year of festive magic. There is something so special about stepping into costume and taking the stage to make people laugh, and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Alongside Charlotte in The Globe will be Lancashire born and based ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson, who is widely known for her sunny “bye, bye” catchphrase. Throughout her long-standing media career, she’s been a runner, researcher, radio reporter, floor and stage manager and presented for ITV, BBC and Channel 4. These days, Emma also channels her media savvy into event hosting, voiceover and video work, bespoke ladies' events and race days, as well as training for businesses and institutions.

Emma said: “This is a new experience for me, and I can’t wait to get on the stage and entertain crowds. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the home of excellent entertainment, and I feel really lucky and excited to be part of it. Let the rehearsals begin!”

Also joining the duo on stage will be Simon Green AKA Betty Legs Diamond. Simon created Betty Legs Diamond in-between shows at the Palace Theatre London in the musical On Your Toes. With Betty’s incredible talent for dance, comedy and impersonation, it wasn’t long before many of London’s most renowned and prestigious cabaret venues were inviting Betty Legs Diamond to perform nightly to sell out audiences. While performing in many West End shows for over ten years and being inspired by some of the greatest talents from around the world Betty soon became one of the United Kingdom’s top female impersonators. After performing for sixteen years in Funny Girls, Simon is back to Blackpool to once again entertain audiences.

Simon added: “Putting on a costume, getting on stage, and making people laugh? Count me in! The cast and crew are extremely talented people, who always put on a show-stopping performance. I’m looking forward to joining them this Christmas and doing what I do best. I spent a lot of my career in Blackpool and I’m really excited to return.”

Joining Charlotte, Emma and Simon on stage is Blackpool’s own Sarah Ward and Ashley Luke Lloyd. The story of Beauty and The Beast follows an arrogant young prince whose castle's servants fall under the spell of a cruel enchantress, who turns him into the hideous Beast until he learns to love and be loved in return. Can the beautiful Belle bring the withdrawn Beast out of his isolation, lifting the wicked spell?

CEO Amanda Thompson OBE said: “We have a gifted cast who we are incredibly proud of, and we can’t wait to showcase their talent to our audiences. This is not one to miss!”